You Are Here Ornament – Iceland
A blog reader recently shared photos of the Starbucks You Are Here Iceland ornament with me, so a big thank you goes out to him. Like the bigger mug, this 2oz ornament will probably not be easy to track down, especially outside the country. Still, this is the part that makes collecting fun, and I will definitely be keeping an eye on online listings because this one deserves a place in my collection.
Even in the smaller ornament format, the Iceland design manages to capture many of the countrys most recognizable natural and cultural symbols without feeling overcrowded.
– Waterfalls are one of the most noticeable themes in the artwork. Iceland is famous for dramatic cascades such as Gullfoss, Skogafoss, and Seljalandsfoss, where powerful streams cut through volcanic landscapes. The flowing water details add movement and energy to the ornament.
– Hot springs reference Icelands geothermal activity, with the Blue Lagoon being the most internationally recognized example. The steaming turquoise pools surrounded by dark lava fields have become one of the countrys signature sights. The ornament hints at this contrast between heat and rugged terrain.
– Geysers imagery appears throughout the design as another nod to Iceland’s geothermal landscape. In fact, the English word “geyser” comes from Geysir, the famous hot spring area in Iceland. Bursts of steam and erupting water are instantly associated with the country.
– Iceland is one of the most volcanically active regions in the world, sitting on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. This unique geological setting creates frequent volcanic activity, ranging from gentle lava flows to powerful explosive eruptions. Volcanoes such as Eyjafjallajökull and Hekla have shaped the country’s dramatic landscapes, forming vast lava fields, mountains, and geothermal areas. These volcanic forces continue to influence Iceland’s environment, energy resources, and natural beauty today.
– Basalt rock formations help give the ornament its rugged volcanic feel. Iceland is known for dramatic black basalt cliffs and hexagonal rock columns formed by cooling lava. These formations can be seen along beaches, caves, and coastal landscapes throughout the island.
– Þjóðbúningur, the traditional Icelandic costume, adds a cultural element to the design. The detailed clothing style reflects Icelandic heritage and folk traditions that date back centuries. Its inclusion gives the ornament more depth beyond the natural scenery.
– Whales and puffins represent two of Icelands most iconic forms of wildlife. Whale watching has become one of the country’s most popular activities, while puffins are commonly associated with Iceland’s coastal cliffs during nesting season. Together, they help complete the ornaments distinctly Nordic atmosphere.
